Machu Picchu continues to draw thousands of people each year to marvel at the incredible structure. Machu Picchu was a citadel of the Incan Empire positioned on the Andes Mountains by the Inca Pachacuti over 500 years ago.
The structure of Machu Picchu is thought to have been used as Inca Pachacuti’s private estate and is now Peru’s major tourist attraction. Despite its modern popularity and being listed as the New 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu was completely unknown to the Spanish who conquered in the Incan Empire in 1572. It wasn’t until the American historian Hiram Bingham discovered the structure in 1911 that Machu Picchu would become known worldwide.
To have the best experience of Machu Picchu, we recommend the following high-end Machu Picchu tours. Note the only hotel positioned near the structure itself is the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. Because the hotel is positioned so close to the Incan citadel, it means you can explore the structure when the majority of people have left the attraction or even before they arrive. You can choose from the following tours that include Belmond Sanctuary Lodge to enjoy Machu Picchu and the region's many other Incan and pre-Incan attractions.
There are some fantastic luxury travel options and our top selection of high-end Machu Picchu tours include:
The Luxury 2 Day Inca Trail: A Journey of Elegance and Heritage
Peru, a land of ancient civilizations and breathtaking landscapes, offers an experience like no other. And if you only choose a short experience of the famous trek, you can make the most of your visit with the Luxury 2 Day Inca Trail. This expedition is not just a trek; it's an invitation to step back in time, to walk the paths of the Incas, and to immerse yourself in the grandeur of Machu Picchu on a luxury 2-day tour. Day 1: A Majestic BeginningYour journey commences from the historic city of Cusco. With a private pick-up at 4:30AM, you're whisked away to the Alpaca Porter House for a gourmet breakfast, setting the tone for the days ahead. The Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo then transports you to the trailhead at KM 104, where the real adventure begins.
As you ascend the trail, the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna awaits, offering insights into the Inca empire's significance. But the day's highlight is undoubtedly the first glimpse of Machu Picchu from the Inti Punku or Sun Gate. This iconic view, with the citadel nestled amidst the mountains, is a sight to behold. The day concludes with an indulgent stay at the renowned Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, ensuring you're well-rested for the day ahead.Day 2: The Crown Jewel - Machu PicchuAwaken to the serenity of the mountains and enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. As the sun rises, casting a golden hue over Machu Picchu, you embark on a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Every stone, every structure has a story, and your guide ensures you hear them all. After your exploration, a scenic bus ride takes you to Aguas Calientes. Here, the acclaimed restaurant, Indio Feliz, serves a delightful lunch, a fitting culinary end to the journey. But the luxury doesn't end there. The Hiram Bingham train, known for its opulence, awaits to take you back to Cusco, ensuring the journey back is as memorable as the trail itself.
Inclusions & Highlights- Expert English-speaking guides for a rich, informative experience.
- Gourmet meals, including on-site preparations with fresh, local produce.
- Luxury stay at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge.
- A scenic journey aboard the Hiram Bingham train.
- Comprehensive guided tour of Machu Picchu Citadel.
- Private transfers for comfort and convenience.
- Awards, Certifications, and Expertise
The Luxury 2 Day Inca Trail is not just a trek; it's a curated experience brought to you by experts with years of experience in organizing tours. Their commitment to excellence is evident in the awards and certifications earned over the years. When you choose this expedition, you're choosing a journey that's been recognized for its quality, safety, and unparalleled luxury.
Click the tour bubble below for more information, check availability, and book your tour to make the most of this incredible attraction.
The Luxury Inca Trail
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UnavailableThe Belmond Adventurous Peru Tour
The Belmond Adventurous Peru Tour combines an exceptional visit to Machu Picchu, luxury accommodation, and high-class service with some fantastic adventure activities in the Sacred Valley. Over 8-days, enjoy an adventure experience in Cusco and the Sacred Valley while experiencing some fantastic scenery and a luxurious experience of Machu Picchu. You will also explore some of the area’s other fantastic tourist attractions.
You will first arrive in Peru’s capital city of Lima to enjoy a night at the luxurious Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel. The hotel offers some incredible views of Peru’s coastline. After a relaxing night's sleep, you will travel to Cusco to begin your tour of the historic Incan capital and the famous Sacred Valley. In the Sacred Valley, you will enjoy the luxurious Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado, which is positioned by the beautiful Urubamba River. You will start your adventure experience on an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) tour around the Pumahuanca gorge.
Enjoy some spectacular scenery and visit different settlements and farming areas. After your adventure around Pumahuanca, you will visit the archaeological ruins of Huayna Capac’s Incan place followed by rafting the Urubamba River itself, which you can see from the Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado. In addition to rafting the river, you will explore the surrounding area on horseback to discover the Peruvian Paso way of horse riding. The horses and style is world famous as offering one of the world’s smoothest riding experiences. While on the horses, you will enjoy some spectacular scenery of the Andes. You will then visit the salt pans of Moras, which are still used to today in the traditional manner. The tradition has continued for hundreds of years. Moras is then very close to the next archaeological attraction, which is called Moray. Moray is one of the most thought-provoking Incan structures as the terraces are thought to represent a farming laboratory. This could be where the Inca managed to cultivate their many varieties of crops. For example, thousands of potato varieties are known from the Andes environment.
After a fantastic experience in this area, you will travel aboard the Vistadome train towards Machu Picchu. The Vistadome is surrounded with large glass windows to provide a visual experience of the beautiful Andean scenery.
You won’t simply take the bus to Machu Picchu as other travelers, but will instead enjoy a short hike through an area dotted with archaeological remains. Two of these sights include the famous Wiñaywayna and Sun Gate. After this, you will continue to the luxurious Belmond Sanctuary Lodge from where you can enjoy some incredible views of Machu Picchu. This is the only accommodation located so close to the fantastic structure.
After enjoying a comfortable night’s sleep at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, it will be time for your private tour of Machu Picchu itself. Because the hotel is positioned so close to the citadel, you can visit before the majority of people arrive or wait until after they have left.
You will then have a tour of Cusco to see the most popular attractions of this fascinating city. Before your return flight home, you will also enjoy a tour of Lima to visit the Historic Centre and some other attractions in Peru’s capital.
The Belmond Adventurous Peru Tour
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UnavailableThe Belmond Insider’s Peru Tour
The Belmond Insider’s Peru Tour offers 7-days of luxury-level exploring, as you enjoy a guided tour of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu while staying in luxury hotels. The accommodation you will enjoy on the Belmond Insider’s Peru Tour include the Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel in Lima, the Belmond Palacio Nazarenas in Cusco, and the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge next to Machu Picchu itself.
You will first arrive in Peru’s capital city of Lima where you will be accommodated at the luxury-class Belmond Miraflores Park hotel. After a comfortable night’s sleep, it is time to head to Cusco to experience the historic capital of the Incan Empire. After arrival in Cusco, you will be escorted to the Palacio Nazarenas hotel. This will be your accommodation and base to explore this fantastic city. Enjoy a guided tour to see some of the popular and important city sights. While in the city itself, you will visit the colonial and Incan structures, such as the Santo Domingo Temple & Koricancha. Although converted to a Dominican Church by the Spanish, this was once the most important temple in the Incan EmpireEnjoy a visit to the Incan baths of Tambomachay, which were reserved for Incan elite. You will also see Qenqo with its sacrificial altar and the famous pre-Incan fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Before returning to your luxurious hotel, you will walk some of the quiet streets to visit the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.
Your Palacio Nazarenas hotel was once a palace and convent, which is how the hotel got its name. This is one of Cusco’s most luxurious and exclusive hotels. The hotel includes a heated outdoor pool, butler service, and offers delicious modern local cuisine.
You can then enjoy a walk around the San Blas district, which offers some of the most beautiful and fascinating of all Cuco’s streets. After a relaxing night’s sleep, it is time to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. See the traditional Andean villages and enjoy the scenery before learning some traditional Andean weaving techniques.
You will then visit the Urubamba River to enjoy your delicious lunch at the Hotel Rio Sagrado. After visiting the fortress of Ollantaytambo, it will be time for your train journey to Machu Picchu aboard the luxury-class Hiram Bingham train.
You will now enjoy a privately guided tour of Machu Picchu followed by a self-guided tour the second day. Your night here will be spent in the luxurious Belmond Sanctuary Lodge where you can enjoy some fantastic views of the citadel as well. You will have some time for optional hiking in the surrounding areas before your return journey back to Lima for your flight home.
The Belmond Insiders Peru Tour
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UnavailableThe Belmond Essential Peru Tour
The Belmond Essential Peru tour provides a 6-day itinerary of some of Peru’s most famous and popular tourist attractions in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Included in the experience is a fantastic luxury tour of Machu Picchu in private service.
Enjoy high quality comfort and service as you explore some incredible areas. You wil first arrive in Peru’s capital city of Lima where you will enjoy a night at the Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel. This is one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. After a relaxing night’s sleep, it will be time to head to the historic Incan capital of Cusco. While in Cusco, you will be accommodated in the historic Belmond Hotel Monasterio hotel. The hotel dates to 1592 and was a former monastery adding to your historical experience. There are some fantastic paintings, antiquities throughout, as well as a Baroque chapel and beautiful courtyard. The hotel also provides a fantastic base to explore the city. To reach Machu Picchu itself, you will travel aboard the luxury-class Hiram Bingham train. The train includes passenger cars, two dining cars, an observation and bar car, and a kitchen car. The design of the train is influenced strongly by the 1920s Pullman carriages. Enjoy polished wood and brass with large comfortable armchairs throughout.
Aboard the Hiram Bingham, you will also enjoy some delicious cuisine with polished cutlery. The Hiram Bingham’s chef and maître d’ will provide a delicious brunch and a gastronomic dinner while on your way to the incredible monument of Machu Picchu.
After you arrive at Machu Picchu, enjoy a privately guided tour. Enjoy the incredible beauty of the area and hear about the history of the Incan citadel.
After exploring the site, head back to Cusco on the return journey aboard the Hiram Bingham. You will then take your flight back to Lima for a guided tour of Lima’s Historic District and for a comfortable night at the Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel before your journey home.
The Belmond Essential Peru Tour
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Ash
Tour Advisor at TourTheTropics.comAsh Card is a frequent visitor to the Tropics and has a passion for helping visitors get the best experiences from tropical locations. Ash is a contributor and tour advisor at TourTheTropics.com. Feel free to contact Ash for tour help in the tropics. When not helping tourists with tours and info, Ash can be found traveling, on wildlife tours or salsa dancing. Ash has completed a BSc in Biology, a Master’s degree in Zoology, and has undertaken a research scholarship at a world-class university on animal behavior. He has published scientific research in the Australian Journal of Zoology and the Journal of Behavioral Ecology. His goal is to help a global society live in balance with the natural world.